Special Projects Grant

Through this funding program, the City of Dubuque provides funding to cultivate unique and innovative creative arts and culture experiences that prioritize community engagement and active partnership in which all parties may experience change and growth. Special projects must incorporate DEI planning and practices into the development and execution of the project and demonstrate alignment with goals and priorities of the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Master Plan.

• Guidelines and Rubric (downloadable PDF)

• Application Questions (downloadable PDF or Word doc)

• Online Application Form

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

• Dubuque-based organizations who operate as a nonprofit, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of IRS Organizations;
• Dubuque-based groups with their own specific mission, governing structure and budget, operating under the incorporated status of a Dubuque-based fiscal agent;
• Established Dubuque-based groups operating in service to the broader community but not incorporated as a nonprofit or operating under a fiscal agent.

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

• For-profit organizations or businesses;
• Individual artists;
• Any organization or group based outside of Dubuque city limits;
• An organization with an outstanding Final Report associated with previous grant awards from FY20 or prior Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs funding opportunities.

FUNDING GUIDELINES

• Minimum Request: $1,000
• Maximum Request: $8,000
• In FY22, matching funds will not be required. Matching funds, in-kind or cash, are still encouraged to demonstrate additional community investment and need for the proposed project.
• Only 1 application per eligible applicant will be accepted. An applicant can be identified as a partnering entity within another application; that application can not be for the same project.

TIMELINE

• Monday, March 15, 2021 - Applications for both the Operating Support and Special Projects grants available
• Friday, April 9, 2021 from 2-3PM - Informational virtual webinar on Operating Support grant program via GoToWebinar. Click here to access the webinar recording.
• Tuesday, June 1 at 11:59PM - Special Project applications due online
• July 2021 - Grant notifications and contracts released
• August 2021 - Anticipated disbursement of funds

The Arts and Culture Special Projects grant program has nurtured diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through arts and culture events and programs since 2005. The program is funding through the general operating budget of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs within the Department of Economic Development and must be approved by the City Council on an annual basis. 

By offering Special Project funding, we support the Dubuque City Council's goals to provide 'Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities' and to foster 'Partnership for a Better Dubuque' as well as playing a key role in realizing the City of Dubuque's Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan to foster Social + Cultural Vibrancy.